Adil Ray OBE, Citizen Khan actor and comedian

“Having just competed and won medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, I have seen first-hand the passion this country has for all sport, including para-athletics. I know that Birmingham 2022 would surpass this level of support for all athletes across all sports.

“With its plans to upgrade Alexander Stadium as part of its bid, Birmingham 2022 will also leave a powerful legacy, becoming the home of athletics, and inspiring more young people, including those with disabilities, to realise that sport is for them.”

Fiona Allan, Chief Executive of the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre

“It’s very important for Birmingham to be bidding for the Commonwealth Games to be hosted here – we are a city of global citizens, with a world class sporting and cultural offer. It’s our chance to demonstrate what an incredibly friendly and exciting city we have become, a confident city capable of hosting major international events, with plenty to occupy tourists during their stay. Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to support the bid and look forward to working in partnership to showcase our great city to the world.”

Anita Bhalla OBE, Board Member, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP

“Birmingham and the region have a proven track record in hosting major sporting events, so we are well positioned to deliver a Games to remember.

“The Games will provide us with an opportunity not only to show our sporting strength, but also our historic links to the Commonwealth. It will also allow us to showcase the richness of our cultural heritage, and will go big with our arts and culture offer. It will further enhance regional tourism and support our growing economy.”

Sian Bobrowska, Commonwealth Youth Games Gold Medallist, Judo

“It was a real honour to represent team England in the Bahamas, I was very proud to get a Gold medal, it certainly would be amazing to represent them again at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as it’s very close to my home town.”

Usain Bolt, 8 x Olympic Champion, Jamaica

“I’d like to say all the big up to Birmingham, the university.

“That’s where’s we trained, they really supported us.

“We got everything possible. We got indoor facilities, the gym works and everything so for me it’s an honour.

“Thank you guys for everything you have done for me really. Thank you.”

Aaron Bowen, Commonwealth Youth Games Gold Medallist, Boxing

“It was a great experience competing in the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas and to win a Gold Medal topped it off. I think it would be brilliant to have the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. I would be reaching my peak and to compete at the fantastic Birmingham venues with an electric home crowd atmosphere would be amazing.”

Paul Brown, BC LEP Board Member, Chair Competitiveness Advisory Board

“Black Country LEP have backed the 2022 Commonwealth Games bid along with their West Midlands colleagues recognising both the economic and inspirational benefits that hosting such a prestigious event will bring to our region. The Games will provide a golden opportunity for our local athletes to compete on home ground and raise the aspirations of our residents and businesses to be part of an international event.

“The planned Aquatic Centre at Sandwell, which will include a competition sized swimming pool will provide a sporting and economic legacy for the Black Country as well as the West Midlands. We are all looking forward to a successful conclusion to the bidding process with a West Midlands win so we can begin the planning process in earnest and maximise the opportunities that such an event will bring both for our residents and businesses.”

Jonathan Browning, Chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership

“Hosting the Commonwealth Games in the West Midlands would bring huge benefits to the region and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership is pleased to support the Birmingham 2022 bid.

“We’re delighted that the Ericsson Indoor Arena at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry has been selected as one of the venues included in the bid.

“We witnessed the array of positive impacts bringing the London 2012 Games to Coventry and Warwickshire brought to the region, and it would be fantastic to welcome visitors from across the Commonwealth back to our area.

“The West Midlands has all the credentials in place to host a brilliant Commonwealth Games and we are pleased to be working with our colleagues across the region to support the bid.”

James Burn, Green Party candidate for Mayor

“Events like this give a city a real buzz. Look at the London Olympics and Manchester in 2002, the atmosphere was incredible and I’d love to see that happen here.

“With venues like the Alexander Stadium and the NIA that already host international athletics, plus Villa Park, Edgbaston, the NEC and the rest – a Birmingham Games would be fantastic. Bringing the bid forward from 2026 is no problem at all – in fact, if needed we could probably host it next year in 2018 and still do a brilliant job.

“Can’t wait to see it happen – I’d call on the Government to select Birmingham for the UK’s bid right away… this is a no-brainer.”

Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council

“Wasps Netball have had an amazing year and raised the profile of the sport and the city with their televised matches and their achievement in being crowned champions in their first ever Vitality Netball Superleague season.

“Their matches are enjoyed by families from around the region and the team is doing a great job to inspire women and girls to take up the sport and activity.

“They have added to the reputation of the Ricoh Arena, which was such a great venue for Olympic Football when we were a host city during London 2012 and I know the Ricoh Arena, and Coventry, would help Birmingham stage a Commonwealth Games to remember.”

Professor Alec Cameron, Vice Chancellor, Aston University

“Aston University backs Birmingham’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Our city already has much of the infrastructure in place, with world-class facilities like Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa – the club we proudly partner with – ready to host the Rugby 7s.

“Hosting the games isn’t just about facilities, it’s about filling them with people from across the world who are passionate about sport. Thousands of people from across the Commonwealth and beyond have made Birmingham and the wider region their home, and many of them, myself included, love sport. We want to bring the world to Birmingham in 2022 and we believe we will host a spectacular and memorable Games.”

“Representing England at the Glasgow 2014 Games has been the highlight of my career so far, although I am really looking forward to the Gold Coast next year.

“I was so excited to hear that Birmingham was bidding for the Commonwealth Games and I have been backing Brum right from the start. Competing at a packed Barclaycard Arena at Birmingham 2022 would be a dream come true so please do get behind Brum’s bid.”

“When I was asked to join the Birmingham 2022 Bid team I knew that this was about more than a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to compete on the global stage in front of a home crowd.

“We all believe that now is Birmingham’s time to shine. We have the venues, we have the talent and we want the Games here in 2022 because we know the positive impact they will have on our region and we know that we will deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever.

“We are clearly thrilled to have progressed to the next phase of the bidding process and all our energy is now focused on bringing the Games to Birmingham. If you haven’t already then do back Birmingham’s bid and help us to win.”

Carl Chinn MBE, Historian

“Birmingham is one of the world’s great sporting cities. Lawns tennis was founded here, league football began here, and so let’s all back the bid for Birmingham to have the Commonwealth Games in our city”.

Kirk Dawes, CEO of the City of Birmingham Basketball Club

“This will be a fantastic inspiration to our players and will encourage even more youngsters to get involved in Basketball in the city.

We have been very fortunate that NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon now lives here in Birmingham providing inspiration to our young players which has already spurred many of them on in the sport, but this would be the icing on the cake. It would have such a positive impact on inner city basketball clubs across the region and would help us to promote activity to a sometimes hard to reach audience who think they are too cool for sport. 3×3 Basketball is urban and gritty and accessible and we cannot wait for Birmingham 2022. Let’s win this!”

“It’s perfectly placed. It’s the heart of the country, transport links are brilliant, and everyone can get to Birmingham easily. It is also a vibrant city and probably the most diverse city in the country”

“I love competing at the Alexander Stadium it’s a great environment, it’s got a great buzz around it. There is lots of support as well and it gives a great opportunity to throw, or perform, to high standards.”

Shadine Duquemin, Shot Put Athlete

“Having the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham would be fantastic; it would be great for Birmingham and young athletes. They would all be inspired, and for me as an athlete to know that I could come here in a few years’ time and compete in Birmingham would just be fantastic. So I hope we do get the Games here”.

Janine Eason, Director of Engagement, Birmingham Museums Trust

“Birmingham Museums Trust is backing the bid for Birmingham to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Culture and Sport go hand in hand amongst Birmingham’s diverse population and this is a great opportunity to share all the great things about this city with people from all over the world. We believe the athletes from across the Commonwealth will find Birmingham an inspiring venue, and will in turn provide inspiration for the people of Birmingham.”

Nick Eastwood, Group Chief Executive at Wasps / Ricoh Arena

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to host netball as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bid proposal.

“The Ricoh Arena has vast experience of hosting top-class sporting events, and we look forward to putting on an event that the city of Coventry and the wider Midlands will remember for years to come.”

Luisa Chantler Edmond, U20 Discus and Shot Put Athlete

“Birmingham is a great city, I’m looking to come here for uni, so to have sport as part of the city and this amazing stadium is fantastic. It will be especially great for us young athletes coming up through the ranks, to have these places which are local to us and yet are really good on an international level so we can get used to it and perform to the best of our ability. It would be great”.

Councillor Steve Eling, Leader of Sandwell Council

“The Birmingham 2022 bid is comprehensive and will provide benefits to the whole of the region, including Sandwell. We have been talking for a while about renewing and continuing to improve our leisure facilities in Sandwell and we are excited that our new build Aquatics Centre will become one of the Games venues for swimming and diving.”

Hannah England, Great British athlete and World Championships silver medallist

“Birmingham is a fantastically passionate city, it loves its sport. We’ve got a good history in football but it would be beautiful to see multi-sport championships come here and that is why I think Birmingham deserves the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

“The business community in Greater Birmingham will fully support this initiative. It presents a huge range of opportunities for all businesses and the bid itself will bring a focus on Birmingham at a time when it is driving its importance on the global stage. The Games are recognised as having the potential to generate in excess of £390 million for the local economy, create thousands of jobs and catapult the region onto the global stage.”

“Playing for my country in the Commonwealth Youth Games was incredible and the feeling of winning a silver medal is something I will never forget.

“As someone who has grown up in the area, the possibility of Birmingham hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games is something that really excites me and I would love to see the Games awarded to such a fantastic city.”

Brendan Foster CBE, Olympic medallist, Commonwealth Champion and Founder of the Great Run Company

“When Ian Ward invited me to join the Birmingham 2022 Bid team I was delighted to accept.

“Birmingham is an ambitious, vibrant city with a great sporting heritage and I believe the ideal location to host such a prestigious global event.”

“Our company has a strong relationship with Birmingham through organising Great Run events in recent years and in October we’ll be staging the first marathon in the city for 28 years.”

Mark Lewis-Francis, Olympic gold medallist 2002

I am a Commonwealth Games Champion myself, winning a gold and silver medal. It would be good to have the Commonwealth Games in my home town in Birmingham so please back the bid and get the locals to come down here and support.”

Elise Glynn, Boxing 54kg, European Women’s Junior Champion 2017

“As a female boxer at the start of my sporting career I am so excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of me. The Commonwealth Games are all about uniting people, giving all athletes a chance to realise their dreams and promoting equality and I cannot think of a better Host City than Birmingham for delivering that.

“The opportunity to represent my country in front of a home crowd at the NEC during Birmingham 2022 will keep me motivated and training hard and inspiring more youngsters to take up boxing as a sport.”

“Netball is my passion and the opportunity to recently return to my roots in the Midlands and play week in week out with the team at Wasps is just a dream come true.

“Having won bronze medals at two Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and Delhi I cannot begin to describe my excitement at the thought of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Netball matches being played here at the Ericsson Indoor Arena.

“We have seen a huge increase in the sport since we started Wasps Netball earlier this year and I know that the West Midlands would put on the most fantastic Commonwealth Games ever.”

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, 11 x Paralympic Champion and Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords

“I think the Commonwealth Games should come to Birmingham. I trained for Sydney in Birmingham and it’s a really good city that’s passionate about sport. It has a lot of great facilities already so you wouldn’t have to build from scratch. And if it’s good enough for Usain Bolt…”

David Harewood, Actor

“I support Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. What a diverse, beautiful, fantastic city, this will be the hub of energy here in the Midlands. We are the youngest city in Europe and it would be fantastic for the world to come to Birmingham and see what a great and vibrant place it is. So support Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games”.

Dawn Harper-Nelson, Olympic Gold and Silver Medallist

“I do love coming here, I don’t have to worry about not having things – Birmingham have done it right. You have the perfect facilities for indoor and outdoor here. I don’t have to worry how the weather will be – the track is great, the hurdles are here and the blocks. Your facilities are great, the fans are great, you’ve had the surveys to see what the athletes want, you handle the visits very well here.”

Myles Hesson, GB Basketball National Team

“Not only would it be amazing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be in Birmingham, my home town, but the plans for the 3×3 basketball are fantastic. Having basketball in Victoria Square would be incredible for the players, and also the spectators, I can’t imagine they will see anything else quite like it! I’m backing Brum Bid 2022, and really hope the Games come to our city.”

Steve Hollis, Chairman of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership

“It would be fantastic to see Birmingham put forward a bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games – and given our unrivalled transport links, accommodation and world-class venues, we’re ideally placed to succeed.”

“Organising an event of this scale will once again highlight the region’s credentials on an international stage.

“With Greater Birmingham in the midst of an economic renaissance, it would be a pleasure to welcome thousands of athletes, tourists and sports fans alike to enjoy all that the city region has to offer.”

Colin Jackson CBE, Olympic silver medallist and former World Champion

“Birmingham is the city of sport; we know it very well indeed. It would be great to have any major championship here, so let’s get a good one.”

“Birmingham has a tremendous heritage and has long been a world-class city; it’s high time we were hosting events of this magnitude. What’s more, our welcome is famously warm and visitors will have a fantastic opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture and its uniquely colourful culinary scene. Let the games begin!”

Clare Lewis, Executive Director of DanceXchange

“The Commonwealth Games presents a great opportunity to bring the world to Birmingham, to showcase our rich cultural offer, and to attract positive profile for the city. We would be excited to be part of the associated cultural programme, particularly as this would coincide with International Dance Festival Birmingham 2022, our award-winning biennial festival.”

Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal, Birmingham Conservatoire

“With home grown-stars from the likes of Moeen Ali to Laura Mvula, Birmingham nurtures the very best of sporting and musical talent. We boast the world-class Alexander Stadium, home to Birchfield Harriers, and not one, but two world-famous concert halls with an internationally renowned orchestra in the CBSO. And, with the opening of the new £57m cutting-edge Conservatoire, it is exactly the right time for the world to experience the amazing culture and sport we have to offer here. Therefore, Birmingham is the natural choice for the 2022 bid.”

Gabby Logan, Sports pundit and ex international gymnast

“I was an athlete myself at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and I love the idea that 36 years later it could be in Birmingham. I could probably still do the routine! The Commonwealth Games is a wonderful event and it has done wonderful things for Glasgow. I think Birmingham is a city with rising confidence. It seems to have undergone a lot of transformation and has wonderful sporting facilities – you wouldn’t have to do all that much to be ready for a Games. I would think it has every chance.”

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, Sandwell MBC

“Sandwell prides itself on providing high quality sport and leisure facilities to our customers. Our recent consultation identified a lack of competitive swimming facilities to support water based sports and meet the expectations of our customers.

“We are keen to support Birmingham with its bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and this Aquatic Centre will provide not only fantastic facilities for the Games but a legacy of better swimming facilities for our residents.”

“Birmingham is the best place to train and compete. It has such great facilities, not only for athletics but for a range of sports. I am totally behind the bid and would love for the Commonwealth Games to be held here in 2022.”

Phil Mead, Managing Director NEC Group Arenas and member of the Birmingham 2022 Steering Group

“The NEC Group is one of the world’s leading venue operators and has been creating unforgettable live experiences for over forty years.

“Over that period, we have proven our ability to deliver by hosting over sixty international sports events such as World and European Indoor Athletics Championships, Davis Cup tennis, Yonex All England Badminton Championships, European and World Gymnastics Championships, International Netball and World BMX Championships, but in all that time Birmingham has not had the chance to host a major multi-sport event. We believe the time is right now.

“We have a wealth of fantastic venues ready and able to deliver world-class events for 2022 including the NEC, Genting Arena and Barclaycard Arena and we are currently gearing up to host the IAAF World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2018 which further demonstrates our credibility and capability.

“We have also invested significantly into our venues in recent years to set us apart from our competitors. We saw at the London 2012 Olympics how a major indoor venue could successfully host multiple sports events and how the public and athletes thrived on the opportunity to experience so many sports in close proximity with a compact Games proposition. We can deliver this and more and believe Birmingham is the only city that can deliver this for 2022. Not only that, but with exciting development across the city and our own ambitious plans to add new physical assets and leisure content which will build on the opening of Resorts World Birmingham on the NEC site, there will be even more on offer for visitors.”

Stephan Meier, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

“Birmingham Contemporary Music Group is proud to support Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid. Birmingham’s cultural life is vibrant and our bid would strengthen our sports and culture offering, providing new perspectives for our city’s and region’s unique population and our international audiences.”

Katharine Merry, Olympic Bronze Medallist 400m, Sydney 2000

“There are only 14 cities which host Diamond League athletics every year and Birmingham is one of them – that is massive. There is no doubt in my mind that there would be no problems handling a major sport event like the Commonwealth Games.”

Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Former Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champion

“Birmingham has a really good, strong culture for sport. The people here are really great and that’s kind of all you need for a Commonwealth Games.”

Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, Olympic Gold medallist for Team USA, and one of the greatest NBA players in basketball history

“My family moved to Birmingham when my daughter came to study at university here. We have received a fantastic welcome and love the warmth and inclusivity of everyone we have met. I have been amazed at the passion and ability of the young players at the City of Birmingham Basketball Club in Nechells and think the inclusion of 3×3 basketball at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games would provide a huge inspiration for the next generation of players.

“Basketball promotes courage, teamwork and how to succeed which are great values for youngsters to learn, whatever their background. I’m supporting Birmingham 2022 and hope they bring the Games to this great city.”

“Since becoming a student at Birmingham I’ve had the benefit of being able to study, train and play on this fantastic campus, with world class facilities and support. It’s already pretty amazing that 11 of the GB Women’s squad are University of Birmingham students or alumni. The opening of the new Sport & Fitness facilities, and the new pitches and new pavilion will make Birmingham an even more popular choice for ambitious hockey players, and sportsmen and women generally who want to combine study and sport on an incredible campus like this. To also be the location for the Commonwealth Games would be unbelievable.

“Winning a Silver Medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games helped motivate me and prepare me for Rio and the incredible experience of winning gold. A home Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022 will certainly be an incentive for me to continue playing to make the England team for 2022, and play on home ground here on campus. I’m sure it will also inspire many other young players to live their dream of playing for England in a major Games on home turf.”

Mike Parker, Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner

“The Birmingham 2022 bid represents an opportunity to showcase everything we love about our city that will no doubt generate long-term economic benefits for the wider region, not to mention the less tangible ‘feel good’ factor that a major sporting event generates. Hosting the Commonwealth Games would accelerate perception around the world of Birmingham as a global city, with huge investment already planned in the coming years”.

Heather Paton, Sprint Hurdler, Birchfield Harriers

“I think it would be an amazing opportunity to have the 2022 Commonwealth Games here. Birmingham is such a great city, it’s at the heart of the UK, it’ll bring everybody together and I think to have a huge crowd here would be amazing, at my home track.”

Jake Porter, Sprint Hurdler, Birchfield Harriers

“Having the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham would be a great opportunity for athletes like myself and the younger generation to be inspired and find their talent in any sport. The Commonwealth Games is a huge event that’s known globally and I think bringing it to Birmingham – where there’s already world class facilities – would be great for Birmingham in the heart of the country, and in the heart of Birmingham where the Alexander Stadium is based. I’m 100% backing the bid for 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.”

Glynn Purnell, English chef and restaurateur

“The Commonwealth Games needs to come to Birmingham. It’s got to happen and I’m right behind it! We’ve got the best infrastructure and the best people.”

“Birmingham is a sports city, and I think having the Commonwealth Games here will definitely produce first class performances and send a bigger message to the rest of the world that this is a sporting city.”

Adil Ray OBE, Citizen Khan actor and comedian

“Birmingham is the ideal home for the Games. The Commonwealth Games represent the rich diverse nations coming together as one and our city’s long tradition of welcoming all cultures makes it the perfect host. Mr Khan is ready to lead the opening ceremony in his yellow Mercedes.”

Piali Ray OBE, Director Sampad South Asian Arts

“As the epitome of a Commonwealth city, Birmingham is uniquely positioned to showcase a rich mix of South Asian arts, cultures and lifestyles – taking inspiration from the traditions and experiences of first generations arriving in the city, to the lively, eclectic spirit of British Asian culture today.

“Sampad is proud to support the bid, which paves the way for Birmingham’s streets to come alive with movement, music, dance, yoga, spoken word, food and fashion that celebrate the colour and vitality of the Commonwealth”.

James Rodwell, England’s most capped Rugby 7s player of all time, Olympic Silver Medallist, Rio 2016

“Rugby 7s is one of the most popular events at the Commonwealth Games. The atmosphere is electric and the fans get passionately involved so, as a player, it is an amazing experience to be part of. I have great memories of competing at the Commonwealth Games and would love to be representing England at Villa Park in 2022. Rugby fans who watched the Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park will agree it was sensational. Let’s back Birmingham 2022 so we can recreate that again.”

“I am backing the bid for Birmingham 2022 and hopefully we can get it. The facilities here are so amazing, they’re world class. We can really get the community involved, around Birchfield Harriers, around Birmingham, all the children in the schools and the volunteers – it’ll be really good.”

“It is no coincidence that the US Track and Field team is returning to train in Birmingham ahead of the World Athletics Championships 2017. We had a great experience of the city ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. The training facilities are excellent; Alexander Stadium is the spiritual home of athletics in the UK; and the welcome and support we get from ‘The City of Running’ is exceptional. We wish Birmingham well in its quest to be the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Ellie Simmonds OBE, five-time Paralympic Champion, swimming

“It is great news that the West Midlands will finally be getting a world-class competition standard swimming pool. When I was a youngster progressing up the rankings I had to move from Walsall to Wales in order to find facilities of the standard I needed to train.

“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre will inspire the next generation of swimmers as well as encourage the local community to enjoy swimming and diving and learn a valuable life skill.

“I am so excited about the possibility of the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham and urge everyone to back the Birmingham Bid.”

Antonio Simoes, Chief executive of HSBC Bank plc

“Birmingham is a dynamic city with a strong track record of hosting major events and it would make a fantastic host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Our roots in the UK began in Birmingham over 180 years ago and we chose the city as the home of HSBC UK’s new head office because of its strong connectivity at the heart of the UK and its ongoing revitalisation.

“We want to build a better bank for our customers and people. A successful bid would be great news for local businesses, the local economy and the Midlands region as a whole.”

Brad Simpson, Lead singer of the Vamps

“I think it would be awesome if the Commonwealth Games came to Birmingham.”

Neil Snowball, Warwickshire CCC – Chief Executive

“Birmingham has consistently proven itself as an outstanding host of major sporting events. The unprecedented investment in the region, including Birmingham New Street Station, the Midlands Metro network and of course HS2, will provide an infrastructure that will enable us to be great hosts to the thousands of athletes, officials and spectators attending the Games. We also have some of the most famous sporting venues and arenas in the country, and everyone at Edgbaston is very excited to support the campaign to bring the Games to Birmingham.”

Keith Stokes-Smith, Chairman, Birmingham Commonwealth Association

“The Birmingham Commonwealth Association is keen to advance the Commonwealth movement in the Midlands and having the games in and around Birmingham will definitely assist us in our endeavours. Like the Midlands community and other Midlands colleagues, we are keen to support the Birmingham bid which will provide opportunities to see world class sport as well as providing volunteering, jobs and business opportunities to the local community.”

Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor

“I truly believe the bid should be for the entire West Midlands, bringing everybody together behind a cause. What could be a better global showcase for our resurgent region than hosting the Commonwealth Games?

“I want to make it a priority to get everyone in the region behind Birmingham City Council’s bid so that we can convince Government that they should support us.”

“We are the best club in the country and it’s amazing to have the National Championships in Birmingham. It just shows how great a stadium it is and hopefully we can get the Commonwealth Games here in 2022. It’s a great place to be and I think it brings the best out of a lot of people”.

Paul Thandi, NEC Group CEO and member of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Steering Group

“Birmingham has significant infrastructure in place and the proven ability to deliver world class events as we’ve done in our venues year after year. Collectively, we have already demonstrated our experience, credentials, reputation and capability in the market and that has been backed up by the comprehensive feasibility study which informed this bid.

“Hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games would be a perfect celebration of Birmingham’s sporting culture and excellence and a springboard for the next phase of economic development and investment opportunities for the city, and importantly, for its people. We have a track record of delivering large-scale international sporting events and great professionalism and expertise in doing so. This is our time, and we are ready.”

Gary Topp, CEO, Culture Central

“Birmingham’s Bid is about more than just sport. Our vision of heart of the UK, soul of the Commonwealth applies equally to our culture, education and legacy programmes and our ambition is to provide a Games that embraces youth and diversity.

“The Urban Street Festival will complement our sports programme and provide a bridge to our cultural festival. It is about celebrating the talent of our communities and encouraging activity and participation in everything from dance to BMX and creating opportunities to engage with young people across the Midlands, the UK and the Commonwealth.

“We are really excited about engaging with local communities and showing off Birmingham’s fantastic urban landscape to the world through this legacy initiative.”

University of Birmingham

“The University of Birmingham offers its wholehearted support to the city’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The exceptional cultural, social and religious diversity of the city and the international links of its citizens mirror the global reach of the Commonwealth, while the variety of its educational institutions can ensure that the city and its region derive the maximum benefit from hosting the Games, for example through the University’s research into the legacies of major sporting events and into the participation of minority groups in sports.”

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive UK Athletics and member of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Steering Group

“Birmingham has an unparalleled track record in staging major sporting events, including international athletics such as the Diamond League at Alexander Stadium. We have seen World, Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth champions compete in the stadium and we regularly see youngsters from sports and community clubs participating at a grassroots level. The enhanced and refurbished stadium that will result from a Birmingham 2022 Games will help to continue our sport’s legacy and benefit future generations of athletes.

“With the Indoor World Championships returning to Birmingham next year and USA and Jamaica again choosing Birmingham for their training bases, the City’s reputation for having fantastic facilities, being perfectly located and being welcoming hosts is internationally recognised. As the City of Running and as home to UK Athletics, I encourage athletes and fans to get behind the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bid.”

Ian Ward, Deputy Leader Birmingham City Council and Chair, Birmingham Commonwealth Games Steering Group

“Hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games will accelerate Birmingham’s existing development plans for homes, jobs, services and infrastructure. Sitting at the heart of the UK and standing for the diversity of the Commonwealth, with our population made up over 187 different nationalities and with 314,000 West Midlands residents born in a Commonwealth country, we are in a strong position to attract people to the Games and ensure that the benefits of hosting extend from the city and region, to the UK and Commonwealth.

“Our vision is brought to life through the new logo which positions Birmingham as the heart of the UK, soul of the Commonwealth. Our logo is open and inviting and its explosion of colour celebrates Birmingham’s super-diversity and youthful energy. Nearly 40% of our population is under 25; and our pupils speak over 100 different languages, making Birmingham an inclusive and welcoming host.”

Jonathan Watkins, Director, Ikon

“Ikon could not be more enthusiastic in its support for Birmingham’s Bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. As the city’s flagship contemporary arts venue we are proud of both our Birmingham heritage and our ability to bring the Commonwealth to the city through our renowned international programme. The scale and breadth of support for bringing the games to this super diverse city is inspiring and will only make us stronger in the finish!”

“I am so supportive of Birmingham’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games. It would be absolutely fantastic for the University, for the whole City and indeed the whole country, if it was to be hosted here.”

Zena Wooldridge OBE, Director of Sport, University of Birmingham

“This is possibly the most exciting project for Birmingham in a generation; and the outcome of the extremely robust feasibility study gives a strong sense that this is Birmingham’s time. With the obvious need to minimise cost and risk of a 2022 Games, the engagement of some strong regional players creates an existing network of high impact venues that ensures we have a bold and ambitious bid which is eminently deliverable. If we then add into the equation Birmingham’s location and accessibility in the heart of the country, the transformation of the city over the last decade, and its strong Commonwealth ties, ‘Birmingham 2022’ is surely a winning option for the city, region, UK and Commonwealth Games Federation.”

Galal Yafai, Boxing Light Flyweight, competed for Team GB in Rio 2016 and European Silver Medallist

“I would love to see Birmingham host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, even though I will be fighting professionally by then.

“I am a proud Brummie and me and my brothers have had lots of support from the city over the years. By encouraging everyone to get behind the Birmingham bid I am hoping that together we can bring the Games to Birmingham and inspire more youngsters to take up sport and change a lot of lives for the better.”

“Birmingham is the ideal home for the Games. The Commonwealth Games represent the rich diverse nations coming together as one and our city’s long tradition of welcoming all cultures makes it the perfect host. Mr Khan is ready to lead the opening ceremony in his yellow Mercedes.”